Coalbed methane (CBM) is a fossil fuel very similar to natural gas. It is liberated from the herbaceous base substance during the coalification process and is stored in seams of coal. CBM is understood to be gas present in a coal deposit that has not yet been affected by mining operations. CBM often comprises more than 90 percent methane. It is, however, seldom present as free gas in pores but instead is bound sorptively to the inner surfaces of the coal. Profitable recovery is thus possible only where certain specific conditions prevail in the deposit (e.g. sufficient permeability and adequate gas pressures). If these natural prerequisites are lacking, then they will have to be created by technical measures such as drilling into or fracturing the seam. CBM already accounts for a significant share of overall gas production in countries such as the U.S.A. and Australia. Many nations with major anthracite deposits – such as Russia and China, and Germany, too – have significant reserves of CBM yet to be tapped.
 
DMT employees have participated in various CBM projects in a number of countries, rendering a broad range of services.
 
These services include the following:

• Planning for coalbed methane projects
• Selecting potential production sites in accordance with geological aspects and factors associated with the deposit
• Estimating and/or calculating the CBM volumes available and recoverable
• Deposit modelling (structural geology, deposit properties, simulation)
• Feasibility studies
• Planning, application for, and tendering for and contracting drilling projects
• Geological, technical and organisational monitoring of the drilling work
• Geophysical measurements of the borehole
• Determination of gas content, composition and calorific values
• Measurement of the rock’s characteristics, including porosity, permeability and strength parameters
• Preparation of plans and sectional drawings

Surveys in preparation for early extraction of gas from as yet undisturbed coal deposits are comparable with explorations for coalbed methane. This simplifies coal mining at a later date and enhances safety. Many years of experience both in underground coal mining (particularly in planning for gas extraction) and in exploration geology make it possible for DMT to offer a comprehensive package of services associated with such projects.

Additionally, based on DMT’s many years of experience in coal mining and ventilation, we offer services associated with assessing gas sources and improving the recovery of Coal Mine Methane (CMM) and Ventilation Air Methane (VAM).

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Reducing Greenhouse Gases

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